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Marine & Natural History Photography BA(Hons)

Harness your passion for photography and filmmaking to inspire audiences about nature and the environment. On this forward-thinking course, you’ll learn how to communicate scientific ideas and conservation stories through images, and raise awareness of other global issues, including habitat loss, climate change and plastic pollution.

Underwater photo of Sockeye Salmon taken by Falmouth student

Key details

LocationPenryn Campus
Course Duration3 years
AttendanceFull-time
UCAS codeWF67
Contact01326 254350

Apply now

Get a prospectus

Ask an advisor

Explore Open Days & events 

Introduction

The outdoors will be your studio and you'll have fantastic locations on your doorstep, as well as opportunities to travel the world. You'll also benefit from the expertise of staff members who are global practitioners, with links to the BBC Natural History Unit
and National Geographic.

You will:

  • Have the opportunity to take part in regular field trips and residentials to places like Dartmoor, where you'll complete first aid training for the outdoors. There are also optional international field trips, including visits to places like the Cairngorms, the Galapagos Islands and the Red Sea
  • Have the option to learn professional underwater photography
  • Have the chance to complete a two-week work placement in your second year
  • Organise, fund and complete a self-devised project in your third year, mirroring an industry project, which could be based anywhere in the world
  • Access our cutting-edge photographic equipment, as well as studios, dark rooms and post-production suites

Covid-19 update

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we have reviewed and made changes to our courses to provide flexible, blended delivery that offers high-quality digital engagement and access to face-to-face teaching in our facilities. You can see how your course may be adjusted by viewing the changes for the current academic year by visiting our welcome letters & latest course updates pages

  • Students
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    What our students do

    Article
    Article

    Photography Student Snaps Best in Show at the AOP Student Awards

    27 July 2020
    BA(Hons) Press and Editorial Photography graduate Elliot Caunce has received the Best in Show title...
    Article
    Article

    Filmmaking for Galapagos Conservation

    19 March 2020
    This collaboration enables staff and students to gain access to parts of the Galapagos Islands that...
    Article
    Article

    Celebrating Rewilding in the Cairngorms

    4 March 2020
    Marine & Natural History Photography students have captured the awesome beauty of the rewilding...
    Article
    Article

    Student Win at Underwater Photographer of the Year

    28 February 2020
    Marine & Natural History Photography student Shannon Moran has won third place at this year's...
    Article
    Article

    Students Commissioned to Film Galapagos Land Birds

    23 June 2019
    Diving with sharks, snorkelling with penguins, swimming with green sea turtles and eagle rays;...
    Article
    Article

    Students Praised During Final Year Show

    31 May 2019
    Third year Marine & Natural History Photography students have just celebrated their final year...
    Article
    Article

    Capturing the Red Sea

    15 April 2019
    “One of the best two weeks of my life”, said several second-year BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History...
    Article
    Article

    Photography Student Published in BBC Wildlife Magazine

    26 March 2019
    Second year BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography student Pradyuman Samant is no stranger...
    Article
    Article

    Student Receives Special Mention at British Wildlife Photography Awards

    19 November 2018
    Ellie Stones, second year Marine & Natural History Photography student, has received a special...
    Article
    Article

    Student Shortlisted for Prestigious Conservation Award

    20 July 2018
    Third year Marine & Natural History Photography student Karl Davies has been shortlisted for the...
    Grey Seal off the Cornish coast by Matt Frost.
    Close up of spider on web.
    Students in diving gear with cameras in turquoise waters.
    Detailed dragonfly close up.
    Student in diving gear with camera pointing at the photography, circle of blue water above him.
    Single tree set in landscape with dramatic sky and framed by a rainbow.
    Student in wellies and holding camera with very large lens.
    Seal riding a wave.
    Snowdrops.
    Black and white seabird landing on seaweed amidst a scatter of splashes.
    Clown fish and sea anemone in the foreground, divers and bright blue light in distance.
    Student lying in grass with camera taking photo of wildlife with assistant holding white board to reflect light.
    Students photographing an orange creature close up in studio set up.
    White and red flowers with blue sky background.
    Close up of eagle.
    Seal poking nose out from the sea.
    Eagle in flight, head looking to ground.
    Man in all weather gear on boat holding ray, seagulls flying in background.
    Bird with body immersed in water, wings still in the air.
    Kingfisher mid flight looking towards a kingfisher sat on a branch.
    Grayscale image of a group of monkeys.
    Abstract shapes in purple and orange through view of a microscope.
    Group of students in diving gear on the surface of the water.
    Student lying in grass with leaf camouflage head piece and holding camera.
    Sun setting, red sky and bird silhouette in the sky.
    Two floating sheep skulls.
    Student immersed up to knees in river bending down to view though camera on tripod.
    Students checking through shots on camera .
    Owl in flight.
    Speckled bird with beak open in the snow.
    Student photographing close up into a pile of leaves surrounded by other photographers.
    Asian woman laughing and holding hand to mouth.
    Copper coloured frog moving through grass.
    Long exposure of stream running around rocks with leaves on.
    Brown bird looking out from moss covered hideout.
    Close up of leaf and veiny surface.
    Robin mid flight with wings spread.
    Spider crab camouflaged amongst the seaweed.
    Man shoeing a shire horse.
    Students with cameras stood on smooth pink coloured rock face.
    Students crouched over and photographing in rock pools.
    Bird's head popping out of a snow covered ground, all white with black beak and eyes.
    Two students in diving gear under water, bubbles coming out of mouthpiece.
    A bright electric blue microscopic image with pink scaly pattern and lime green circles.
    Group of students with cameras on trip in a woodland setting gathered around a wooden table.
    Students in a field photographing something close up on a plant.
    Students photographing from a hide out.
    A flock of birds in flight above a lake.
    Dramatic grayscale image of sea crashing into cliff with a lone person standing at the top.
    Close up of a clownfish with downturned mouth resting on a blue fingered anemone.
    Portrait of a puffin.
    Cat shark emerging from various coloured sea plants and seaweed.
    Yellow and brown speckled frog in a clear tank with white background.
    Three choughs in a green field.
    Black and white image of seal underwater.
    Turtle lying on seabed.
    Student underwater pointing camera at the photographer.

    What our graduates do

    Some of our graduates’ recent projects include filming dolphins in Hong Kong harbour, photographing salmon and bears in British Columbia, photographing sharks in Fiji and documenting a nomadic tribe in Mongolia.

    Article
    Article

    Alumni Winners in Cornwall’s 30 Under 30

    9 March 2020
    Cornwall’s 30 under 30 for 2020 have been announced. Congratulations to the Falmouth alumni who...
    Article
    Article

    Role at Red Bull Kicks Off Graduate's Career

    26 February 2020
    Elliott Harrison graduated from Marine & Natural History Photography last summer, after a six month...
    Article
    Article

    Supporting Conservation Through Film

    18 February 2020
    In May 2019, Marine & Natural History Photography Associate Lecturer Neil Aldridge got the call to...
    Article
    Article

    Expeditions and Exhibitions: A Busy Life for Photography Graduate

    2 April 2019
    Since graduating from BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography in 2016, Chloe Russell has been...
    Article
    Article

    Graduate Wins British Wildlife Photography Award

    19 November 2018
    Ben Watkins, Marine & Natural History Photography graduate, has won the Documentary Series category...
    Article
    Article

    Graduate Success for Marine Photographer

    6 September 2018
    Marine & Natural History Photography graduate Daphne Wong has not only had her work featured in the...
    Article
    Article

    National Coverage for Photography Graduate

    23 May 2018
    We chat to Marine & Natural History Photography graduate Irene Mendez Cruz about her thoughts and...

    Course details

    What you'll learn

    Blending professional practice with theoretical knowledge, this environmental photography course will help you develop the critical understanding essential for your future career. You'll also have the chance to gain real-world experience during and after your studies through our relationships with agencies and conservation trusts, and paid opportunities through our in-house photo agency.

    • Year one
    • Year two
    • Year three
    Year one

    You'll practice photographic skills alongside research and critical thinking. During this year, you'll explore biodiversity and habitat, as well as the marine environment, and will participate in a number of local field trips to land and marine environments.

    Modules

    Developing Practice

    You'll be introduced to basic photography skills and camera techniques.

    Research and Critical Thinking

    Learn how to generate ideas, understand the impact of photography and improve your writing.

    Biodiversity and Habitat

    Study the intricate web of life in a local habitat.

    Exploring Practice

    More advanced photographic skills and camera techniques.

    Communicating Nature

    Learn to communicate scientific ideas through text and photographic sequence.

    The Marine Environment

    Explore and photograph the seashore and oceans.

    Year two

    Alongside studying moving image and still photography, you'll develop your research and critical thinking skills, explore global conservation, and get ready for your own research project.

    Modules

    Moving Image and the Natural World

    Work in groups to create a short film.

    Photography of the Natural World

    Learn about natural history photography and develop your own portfolio.

    Conservation and its Representation

    Examine conservation issues and learn how photography and moving image can make an impact.

    Independent Practice

    Create your own short film and photographic story.

    Culture and the Environment

    Devise a research project focused on an issue that interests you.

    Work Experience

    Spend a short period of time undertaking work experience in a relevant professional context.

    Year three

    You'll keep building your photographic skills, develop your final portfolio and dissertation, and prepare to enter the industry.

    Modules

    Project Development

    Begin to develop a major project using still photography or moving image.

    Dissertation

    Research and write a dissertation on a subject of your choice.

    Major Project

    Complete your major project and develop a professional portfolio.

    Professional Profile

    Build your profile to a professional standard and make contacts within the industry.

    The modules above are those being studied by our students, or proposed new ones. Programme structures and modules can change as part of our curriculum enhancement and review processes. If a certain module is important to you, please discuss it with the Course Leader.

    From module information to course aims and assessment criteria, discover the full course details. 

    We are making changes to our curriculum framework for courses starting in 2022. Modest amendments to our course module structure will provide you with new opportunities to collaborate and co-create with students from across disciplines during your studies.

    This course page will be updated when these changes have been finalised and applicants will be notified.

    How you'll learn

    You'll learn through field trips, photographic and scientific excursions, technical workshops, lectures, seminars and tutorials. The course includes an optional underwater programme with dive tuition and international photo shoots. There will also be chances to join photographic expeditions to places like the Galapagos Islands, Borneo and the Red Sea, and to take on national and international placements.

    Students have previously created projects that have documented climate change in Norwegian glaciers, conducted research in the Ecuadorian rainforest, and filmed conservation work in the Amazon rainforest.

    How you'll spend your time

    Year

    Timetabled

    teaching

    and learning

    activity

    Guided

    independent

    study

    Placements

    1

    33%

    67%

    0%

    2

    28%

    66%

    6%

    3

    33%

    67%

    0%

     

    How you'll be assessed

    Year

    Written exams

    Practical exams

    Coursework

    1

    0%

    0%

    100%

    2

    0%

    0%

    100%

    3

    0%

    0%

    100%

    The above percentages relate to 2019/2020 data.

    Assessment methods

    • Continuous assessment with no formal examinations.
    • Portfolios, presentations and essays.
    • End of year project and exhibition.

    Staff

    You’ll be guided and supported by practising photographers, scientists and explorers. Their careers span working and exhibiting photographs internationally, producing wildlife films and leading expeditions.

    Some members of staff only teach on specific modules, and your course might not feature every member shown here.

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Daro Montag

    Associate Professor of Art & Environment

    Daro Montag's art practice has, for many years, been involved with environmental and ecological...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Adrian Brown

    Senior Lecturer, BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography

    Adrian is a senior lecturer on the BA(Hons) Marine & Natural History Photography and heads the...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Anna Roberts

    Marine & Natural History Film Tutor

    Following my Zoology degree at Manchester University, I made my first documentary in the Himalayas...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Joanna Henley

    Senior Lecturer

    I am a marine educator with a PhD in the visual communication of marine science. I joined the...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Feargus Cooney

    Associate Lecturer

    I have been teaching on Marine and Natural History Photography since 2014. Having a double set of...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Huw Lewis-Jones

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Huw Lewis-Jones is an environmental historian and expedition leader. 

    Huw is a storyteller and...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Oliver Udy

    Head of Photography

    Oliver Udy is a photographer, publisher and general facilitator of things.

    Udy joined Falmouth...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dr Tim Cockerill

    Senior Lecturer

    Dr Tim Cockerill is a zoologist, broadcaster and photographer. 

    Tim specialises in documenting and...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Claire Braithwaite

    Lecturer BA (Hons) Marine and Natural History Photography

    Claire Braithwaite is an artist and photography educator with over 12 years experience teaching...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Graham Lawrence

    Technical & Facilities Manager

    I studied photography and then documentary film making in the late 70's and after working as a...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Kate Bell

    Photography Technician

    I graduated from Manchester Metropolitan in 2007 with a First Degree Hons in BA Photography. During...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Jane Morgan

    Dive Technician

    Jane's career began as an IT trainer at News International in London. However, after discovering a...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Helen Perkins

    Dive Safety Officer

    I graduated from Plymouth College of Art and Design in 2000 where I specialised in fine art...

    Staff profile
    Staff profile

    Dave Mann

    Technical Instructor

    I have worked as a professional photographer and photography educator for many ...

    Facilities

    • Multiple studios, darkrooms and print suites.
    • Photography store containing a wide range of professional equipment free to loan.
    • Macro and long lenses, macro flash, infrared triggers and time-lapse and underwater cameras.
    • Digital suite with Adobe software.
    • Photo-microscopy laboratory.
    • Digital and traditional processing facilities.
    • Walled garden with fully equipped hide for nature study, photography and filming.

    Take a virtual tour

    How to apply

    Apply via UCAS

    Ready to join us? If you're applying through UCAS Apply and Track, you'll need to reference the university and course codes below. 

    • University code: F33
    • Course code: WF67

     

    Apply now

    Applying as an international student? 

    International students can apply for a course through UCAS, via an agent or directly with the university. For more information about how to apply as an international student, visit our International applications page.

     

    International applications

    Application advice & interview information

    Go to Toolkit
    • Entry requirements
    • Language requirements
    • Deadlines
    Entry requirements

    We consider all applications on their own individual merit and potential. We invite all applicants to an interview day or audition to give them the opportunity to demonstrate this along with what inspires and motivates them in their field. Applicants will also be able to show their portfolio or give a performance depending on the course. We welcome applications from all subject backgrounds, whether you’ve specialised in STEM, the arts or humanities.  

    As a guide our typical offer at undergraduate level is 104 – 120 UCAS Tariff points, primarily from Level 3 qualifications such as but not limited to A-levels, a BTEC Extended Diploma or a Foundation Diploma. 

    Check how many points your qualifications are worth

    Language requirements

    For applicants whose first language is English we require you to have or be working towards GCSE English Language Grade 4 (C), or equivalent. 

    If English is not your first language you will need to meet the same standard which is equivalent to the IELTS Academic 6.0 overall score, with at least 5.5 in Reading, Writing, Speaking and Listening. We accept a range of in country equivalencies and approved tests.  

    If you need a student visa to study in the UK, you'll need to take a recognised language test that is approved and vouched for by the University. You can read our English Language Requirements for more information.

    Deadlines

    UK/EU applications: 29 January 2021 (for equal consideration) 

    Late applications will be considered if there are places available. 

    International fee payers can apply throughout the year. But we recommend applying as early as possible, to make time for visa and travel arrangements.

    What we're looking for

    We want someone who:

    • Shows genuine passion for photography and the natural world.
    • Shows a reasonable level of technical knowledge and skills.
    • Has good visual awareness.
    • Can research, write and analyse to a reasonable level.
    • Intelligently and articulately expresses ideas and responds to questions

    Fees, costs & funding

    Tuition fees

    • Tuition fees 2020-21
    • Tuition fees 2021-22
    Tuition fees 2020-21

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK/EU

    £16,000 per year - full-time international

    Tuition fees 2021-22

    £9,250 per year - full-time UK

    £16,950 - full-time EU

    £16,950 - full-time international

    Tuition fees are set annually and are subject to review each year. The University may therefore raise tuition fees in the second or subsequent years of a course, in line with inflation and/or the maximum permitted by law or Government policy. Students will be notified of any changes as soon as possible.

    Typical course costs

    • £350 - Recurring annual costs
    • £600-£650 - One off costs for the course duration (compulsory trips, final portfolios or shows, etc)
    • £3,800 - Optional study visits and placements for the course duration

    If you need to bring equipment or materials with you, these will be outlined in your Welcome Letter.

    The figures above don't include accommodation and living costs

    Funding

    For information about funding available, please visit our undergraduate funding page

    Ask a student

    What better way to find out about life at Falmouth University than by asking our current students?  

    From course details, our facilities and the local area to the social scene and settling in, our students are ready and available to answer any questions you might have. Simply set up your account, send them a question and they'll get back to you within 24 hours.

     

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    See how we turn real industry experience into real careers.

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